Wao Summit 2024 Speakers
Wao Summit 2024 Speakers
The good humans who will be gracing the stage at this year’s Wao 2024 Summit.
Rochelle Francis
Rochelle Francis advocates for local food systems, ensuring access to affordable, nourishing, and sustainable food. She leads climate initiatives in Southland, promoting biodiversity and community well-being.
Monique Kelly
Monique, is the Co-Founder of Concept Store Revology, General Manager at Wao, and UN ILO consultant on labor rights, focusing on carbon-zero and regenerative futures.
Dr Greg Bodeker
Greg, director of Bodeker Scientific, has over 130 published papers in climate science, co-founded Red Sky AI, directs Kentron Ltd, and is an adjunct professor at Victoria University.
Ron Bull
Ron’s work integrates his deep connection to titi harvesting traditions with his extensive experience in tertiary education. Ron has dedicated 20 years to developing education and curriculum, utilising historical contexts to construct and understand contemporary biculturalism in Aotearoa.
Janice Lee
Janice Lee is a disability advocate focused on empowering people through independent living skills, food resilience, and sustainable gardening, including projects with Kainga Ora and Koha Kai.
Vicki Spearing
Vicki, a top agent at NZ Sotheby’s International Realty, founded Bellbird Developments to advocate for energy-efficient homes and thriving communities with sustainable real estate solutions.
Sam Stubbs
Sam Stubbs is the co-founder of Simplicity, one of NZ’s fastest growing KiwiSaver plans. Sam was previously CEO of Tower Investments. Sam is a father of four children who dreams about simplicity and sailing around the world.
Jana Davis
Jana Davis (Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu) is Chief Executive of Te Tapu o Tāne Ltd, driving Māori-led environmental and regional development, and is involved with Mata-Au River Trust and Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua.
Campbell McNeill
Campbell, Director at ahha Architecture, has 12 years of experience in architecture, focusing on urban regeneration, design, and education. He leads Ecology and Health + Wellbeing at ahha and is training in the International Well Building Standard.
Katherine Buttar
Kath, Senior Sustainability Advisor for Queenstown Lakes District Council, specialises in waste management and sustainability strategies, focusing on community-led solutions for a circular and regenerative future.
Jo Underwood
Jo, a Wānaka-based Registered Architect, specializes in sustainable, high-performance design for residential and commercial projects, including Passive House and Homestar, both in NZ and abroad.
Rochana Moon
Rochana Moon, founder of Wise Moon Wellness, is a herbalist and naturopath offering consultations, workshops, and herbal products, focusing on plant-based holistic wellbeing in Wanaka.
Nature’s Symphony/Johnny Scott
Nature’s Symphony blends diverse music, storytelling, and education to inspire creativity, culture, and regenerative action, co-created by community in immersive, nature-driven experiences.
Emma Horgan-Heke
Emma, CEO of Sustainable HB and EHA board member, has expertise in large-scale project management, regenerative practices, and community building, with roles in climate action and resilience.
Miranda Brown
Miranda, an artist and biophilic designer, connects people to nature through her sustainable designs and art, enhancing wellbeing and inspiring environmental stewardship.